Pope Leo XIV visits Lebanon for first time since 1997, bringing hope amid crisis.

Pope Leo XIV is set to visit Lebanon for the first time since 1997, marking a significant moment for the country’s aging Christian community amid ongoing conflict, economic crisis, and political instability. His three-day trip includes a visit to the Syriac-speaking Monastery of Mar Maroun and a major Mass on the Beirut waterfront, built on rubble from the civil war. Despite rising sectarian tensions and Israeli airstrikes, the visit is seen as a beacon of hope, symbolizing resilience and faith for a nation enduring hardship.